University Professorship (W3) “Radiochemistry”

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie; Karlsruhe; On-site; EUR 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent Research Conditions & State‑

International Networking

Transparent Career Paths & Personal

Family-friendly Offers

Onboarding & Integration

Job summary

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) invites applications for the position of Head of the Institute for Nuclear Waste Disposal (INE) with a W3 professorship in Radiochemistry. The role focuses on safety research for nuclear waste management and cross-cutting large-scale research responsibilities within KIT and its Helmholtz energy program.

The successful candidate will lead interdisciplinary research, foster international collaborations, secure third-party funding, and participate in

Qualifications

• Experience in academia or industry in nuclear waste management.
• Ability to lead an institute and manage R&D projects.
• Willingness to cooperate across disciplines within and outside KIT.

Responsibilities

• Address research activities relating to nuclear/geo/chemical aspects of nuclear waste disposal.
• Develop numerical simulation tools for systemic assessment of waste management concepts.
• Contribute to teaching radiochemistry in the Master's programme at KIT.
• Collaborate with nuclear waste management organisations and authorities for site selection processes.
• Execute large-scale research tasks with a teaching obligation of 2 hours per week per semester.

Job description

In Division IV – Natural and Built Environment at the KIT Faculty of Chemistry and Life Sciences, the position of Head of the Institute for Nuclear Waste Disposal (INE), combined with the university professorship (W3) in 'Radiochemistry', is to be filled at the earliest possible date.

The university professorship advertised here is intended to further develop the Institute for Nuclear Waste Disposal, with a particular focus on research regarding the safety of nuclear waste management, and to make a substantial contribution to cutting-edge research within the KIT's Large-scale Research Responsibilities in the Helmholtz Energy research area of the KIT.

Your Tasks

The current research activities focus on combining fundamental studies, using modern experimental methods, with application-oriented research. Through experimental research carried out in INE's radiochemical laboratories and accompanying model development, a cross-scale understanding of the behavior of radioactive waste forms and radionuclides under realistic conditions is achieved.

• You will address various research and development activities relating to nuclear- / geo- / chemical aspects of nuclear waste disposal, the interdisciplinary assessment of nuclear waste management concepts, fundamental aspects of the chemistry and geochemistry of radioelements, and geochemical aspects of geoenergy.
• In addition to the use of innovative experimental methods, you will also encompass the development of numerical simulation tools that are applicable to systemic assessment of nuclear waste management concepts.
• You will make a vital contribution to the transfer of knowledge within advisory bodies or expert panels on safety of final disposal. Research findings will be developed in close cooperation with the relevant nuclear waste management organisations and authorities for the ongoing site selection process for the final disposal of high-level radioactive waste in Germany, and are being made available to them.
• As part of the professorship, you will contribute to the teaching programme at KIT, particularly in the field of radiochemistry within the Master's programme in chemistry at the KIT Faculty of Chemistry and Biosciences. In collaboration with lecturers from the institute, supplementary study offering on environmental radio-geochemistry will be held at the KIT Departement of Civil Engineering, Geo- and Environmental Sciences.
• You will execute large-scale research tasks with a teaching obligation of 2 hours per week per semester.

Your Profile

• We are looking for a person with experience gained in academia or industry, who has already made excellent, internationally visible contributions in the area of nuclear waste management and is able to offer up-to-date academic education in this interdisciplinary field.
• Applicants are also expected to be competent in managing research and development projects and in directing an institute.
• Candidates should be willing to cooperate across disciplines both within and outside of KIT (inter- and transdisciplinary cooperations).
• They are expected to actively acquire public and private third-party funding.
• In addition to the general requirements und civil service law, the appointment criteria include a completed university degree, possess pedagogic aptitude and teaching skills, as well as particular aptitude for academic work, which is generally demonstrated by the quality of the doctoral thesis, a habilitation, or equivalent achievements.

Employment is subject to Art. 14, par. (2) of the KIT Act in conjunction with Art. 47 LHG Baden-Württemberg (Act of Baden-Württemberg on Universities and Colleges).

We Offer

• Excellent Research Conditions & State-of-the-art Infrastructure

  Benefit from a unique environment that combines university and large-scale research, and gain access to state-of-the-art equipment and interdisciplinary projects. This environment enables you to conduct both basic and applied research at the highest level.

• International Networking

  You will work in a global network that encompasses international collaborations and English-language scientific communication. KIT promotes exchange with leading research institutions and industry partners worldwide.

• Transparent Career Paths & Personal Development

  Clear development prospects, individual coaching, and a well‑developed leadership development program support you in steering your academic career in a targeted manner.

• Family-friendly Offers

  The KIT Dual Career Service supports you and your partner in integrating into the workforce, while flexible working time models and company childcare facilities make it easier to balance work and family life.

• Onboarding & Integration

  A customized onboarding program will accompany you from your first day at work, enabling you to quickly get started in research, teaching, and the KIT networks and get off to the best possible start.

Salary

Salary is governed by the statutory provisions of the State of Baden-Württemberg and comprises the basic salary of salary grade W3.

In addition, the granting of performance-related pay components is possible. The family allowance is paid, where applicable, in accordance with civil service law.

Contact person in line-management

For subject-matter inquiries, please contact Prof. Dr. Johannes Orphal, Email: [e-mail]

At KIT we value the diversity of our employees; different perspectives and backgrounds enrich our work. We therefore welcome applications from all candidates. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Applications from recognized severely disabled individuals are given preferential consideration when qualifications are equal.

Application up to: 2026-11-22
Job posting number: 1245/2026

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